Rolly Fula Nanga, captain of the Congolese National Team, starred in a violent incident as he responded to an elbow during a local match. The attack sparked chaos in the field and the referees brought the game came to an abrupt halt.
After the video went viral, the team released a statement on May 1st, publicly apologizing for the captain’s actions. He admitted that his violent reaction did not represent the values and discipline expected of a national captain, trying to redeem himself from the incident.
Despite his regrets, the national federation sanctioned the team, suspending the captain for many games and a considerable fine for the athlete. The incident reopened a debate about violence in the sport and the responsibility professional players hold.